Childhood death rates have generally declined over the past several
decades. In 2002, a total of 12,008 children ages 1-14 died. Unintentional
injury continues to be the primary cause of death for this age group.
Among children ages 1-4, unintentional injuries accounted for 33.8
percent of all deaths, followed by deaths due to congenital malformations
(birth defects), malignant neoplasms (cancer), homicide, and diseases
of the heart. Unintentional injuries comprised 38.0 percent of all
deaths among children 5 to 14, followed by malignant neoplasms,
congenital malformations, homicides, suicides, and diseases of the
heart.

Child Health USA 2004 is not copyrighted.
Readers are free to duplicate and use all or part of the information contained
on this page. Suggested Citation: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health
Bureau. Child Health USA 2004. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, 2004.